Under direct supervision, the TCU Infection Preventionist 1 implements infection prevention programs, and practices specific to the practice setting and population served. Responsible for the prevention, identification, investigation, reporting, and control of healthcare associated infections (HAIs), communicable diseases and the day-to-day infection prevention activities for the Transitional Care Unit. The Infection Preventionist collaborates with individuals and the interdisciplinary teams, including the Inpatient Infection Prevention team, to create, educate and sustain infection prevention strategies in the TCU, as well as ongoing staff development, training and quality assurance and performance improvement monitoring to ensure adherence with the organizational standards, professional guidelines, state and federal regulations. #LI-LP1

Core Competencies

Applies basic knowledge of the risk assessment concept and its importance to the TCU infection prevention program. Participates in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement projects and understands the risk reduction strategies of the TCU infection prevention program

• Provides education to residents, resident representatives and healthcare personnel regarding the prevention and spread of infection; instructs employees in universal and specific infection prevention interventions and procedures. Assists in designing and presenting educational programs to enhance infection prevention in the TCU.
• Applies standard methods and surveillance criteria for identifying healthcare associated infections and communicable diseases in the TCU; assists to establish a plan to monitor the effectiveness of prevention and control strategies.
• Ensures that resident care or other activities comply with regulatory standards (CDC, Public Health, OSHA), and/or applicable industry standards and regulations. Uses facility-based surveillance technology to monitor reports, analyze trends and assess residents with symptoms of possible infection.
• Utilizes infection prevention practice, skills, concepts, and/or methodologies to address infection prevention opportunities and advocates for evidence-based practice care standards and supports adoption of evidence-based practices and innovations.
• Uses data and basic statistical techniques to identify the need for change and participates in implementing basic interventions/improvement projects to maintain or improve resident health status.
• Assists with outbreak investigations and investigates epidemiology significant findings and consults with providers and stakeholders. Assists with interpretation of diagnostic and laboratory reports.
• Reviews sterilization and disinfection techniques, conducts environmental rounding and recommends changes as necessary to ensure infection prevention is maintained in the TCU environment
  Assists with direct clinical care and documentation for TCU patients to meet infection prevention regulations and best practices.

Department Specific Competencies

• Participates in the interdisciplinary performance and quality improvement process; and is an active member of and reporting out to the TCU Patient Safety/Performance Improvement Committee and Infection Prevention Committee.
Assists to review and maintain the TCU related infection prevention policies and procedures and collaborates with hospital Infection Prevention department on shared policies and procedures. Ensures reviews are conducted and revisions made to keep current
• Assists to develop and maintain the immunization program and screening for the TCU residents and staff.
• Assists to develop, maintain and monitor antibiotic stewardship in the TCU, including but not limited to antibiotic use guidelines and monitoring.

Education